Constitution Day in Anguilla

In Anguilla, the Friday after the first Monday in August is Constitution Day. This holiday commemorates the country’s adoption of its constitution. As important as this day is, however, its real importance is that it marks the end of the August Carnival. The Anguilla Summer Festival is a 10-day festival that starts on Emancipation Day and ends on Constitution Day.

During this time period, there are parades, boat races, a Miss Anguilla Pageant, and bathing suit competitions. There’s also plenty of food and drink available as well. Constitution Day is a public holiday, so government offices, businesses, and schools are closed on this day.

The History Of Constitution Day In Anguilla

Anguilla was first colonized by British Settlers during the mid-17th century and remained a British territory. On April 1, 1982, Anguilla’s constitution was adopted and since that time it has been revised several times. Most notably in 1990 and then again in 2019. Anguilla is the most northerly of the Leeward Islands in the Lesser Antilles. It’s also a self-governing British territory.

Observing Constitution Day In Anguilla

Constitution Day’s festivities are rolled up into the Anguilla Summer Festival, so it can be difficult to determine where one holiday’s events begin and the other ends. This day is a public holiday, so people have the day off and businesses, government offices, and schools are closed for the day. This allows many people, as well as tourists, to enjoy the carnival’s activities.

What activities can be found on this day? There’s a Miss Anguilla Pageant, parades, a child’s parades, and a festival-style atmosphere. People are dressed in bright, vibrant clothing, and music fills the air. There are also boat races, and plenty of delicious food and drink to enjoy. Foods that include jerk-style meats, BBQ meat, fritters, dumplings, and seafood. It’s a day of fun in the sun.

Where is it celebrated?
Anguilla (Public holiday)
When is it?
This year (2023)
August 11 Friday
Next year (2024)
August 9 Friday
Last year (2022)
August 5 Friday